Collapsible bottle carrier



Dec. 14, 1954 w. A. RINGLER 2,696,942

COLLAPSIBLE BOTTLE CARRIER Filed May 10. 1952 I 3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. MAL/AM A. IF/NGL 1? ATTORNEY Dec. 14, 1954 w. A. RINGLER COLLAPSIBLE BOTTLE CARRI EER 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 10, 1952 INVENTOR. VV/LL/AM A/P/N LER ATTORNEY.

Dec. 14, 1954 w, RINGLER 2,696,942

COLLAPSIBLE BOTTLE CARRIER Filed May 10, 1952 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 {W 9 Z5 Z c a Z) j A hmmllml I INVENTOR.

I Mum/v1 A. R/NGLER Z5 m (2 MN ATTORNEY United States Patent COLLAPSIBLE BOTTLE CARRIER William A. Ringler, Wayne, Pa., assignor to The Gardner Board & Carton (30., Middletown, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application May 10,1952, Serial No. 287,117 11 Claims. (Cl. 229-28) This invention relates to collapsible bottle carriers, and

more particularly to twin compartmented multi-celled bottle carriers formed from paperboard or fiberboard materials which are'designed to permit fiat collapse thereof during shipment and storage and convenient erection for bottle filling and transportation. This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application Serlal No. 256,971, filed November 19, 1951.

The large and increasing consumer demand for bottled soft drinks, beer and other bottled beverages, has made it desirable and necessary for the beverage bottling and distributing industry to furnish with their respective bev-.

erage products attractive bottle holders or carriers by means of which the consumer may conveniently transport and receive delivery of a plurality of beverage filled bottles and conveniently return the empty bottles to the beverage bottler or distributor. In order to effectively and economically pack the beverage bottles in bottle carriers, distribute the bottle filled carriers to the-retailer or consumer, and remove the empty bottles from the returned carriers, beverage bottlers and distributors have found it increasingly desirable to install systematized handling equipment for filling the carriers, for placing the carriers in the low walled distributor cases as commonly used, for handling, stacking and transporting the carrier filled distribution cases, and for removal of the empty bottles from the returned carriers so that they may.,.

erected, provide cushioned protection and retainment'of I the bottles inserted therein, and additionally present substantialfiat surface areas for the reception of attractive advertising decoration, with the bottles therein adequately displayed.

In construction, these bottle carriers present fiat side and end wall panels which extend when erected from the flat bottom panel to any desired height. The handle section, which extends medially between the opposite and similar bottle receiving compartmented sections, is made of plural-ply paperboard which may be four or more plies in thickness. The plural-ply handle section is integrally connected to theend panel sections and extends down to the expanded and erected bottom panel. The cell forming cross partitions may also be made to theheight of the side panels and extend down to the expanded and erected bottom panel. The cross partitions are firmly but foldably secured to the interior faces of the side panels and to the plural-ply center partition. As thus constructed, these carriers are rigid and sturdy when erected, c

unyielding to bottle load strains, and are convenient to collapse'and erect.

- Additionally, these improved bottle carriers may be designed to present the top horizontal edges of the handle section'sbelow the top'ends of the bottles packaged therein so that the bottle filled carriers may be stacked to rest vjoined to a plural-ply center partition which is foldably very little waste of stock sheet material.

on the tops of the bottles, and with the end edges'of the bottom panel contained within its associated end panel sections so that any selected carrier may be removed from the distributor case without interference from the adjacent carriers packed therein.

These carriers are additionally designed to permit their formation from substantially rectangular one-piece blanks which can be scored and cut from stock sheets of selected paperboard or fiberboard material previously finished, imprinted and decorated on one side thereof only, with These .carrier blanks are also particularly designed to permit high speed gluing and folding thereof into completedbottle carriers in collapsed form suitable for storage and shipment, in a single pass through a substantially standard folding and gluing machine. As a result, these high quality, durable and attractive bottle carriers can be manufactured at relatively low cost.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent as the disclosure proceeds.

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims appended hereto, the invention itself, and the manner in which it may be carried out, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, in which Fig. l is an inside face view of the blank as cut and scored from a paperboard or fiberboard stock sheet for assembly into the bottle carrier, this view also showing adhesive applied to certain areas thereof preliminary to the initial folding operation;

Fig. 2 is an inside face view of the blank shown in Fig. 1 after the initial folding operation has been completed, this view also showing adhesive applied to additional areas thereof preparatory to the second folding operation;

Fig. 3 is an inside face view of the blank shown in Fig. 2 as the same would appear when the second folding operation has been completed, this view showing adhesive applied to further areas of the blank in preparation for the third folding operation;

Fig. 4 is an inside face view of the blank shown in Fig. 3 as it would appear after the third folding operation has been executed, this view also showing adhesive applied to still further areas of the blank preparatory to performing the fourth folding operation;

Fig. 5 is a horizontal cross sectional view of the partially folded blank as it would appear when viewed along line 5-5 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is another horizontal cross sectional view of the partially folded blank as viewed along line 6--6 of Fig. 4;

Fig.7 is a plan view of the. fully assembled carrier as it would appear in collapsed form after the fourth folding operation has been performed on the blank as shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 8 is a horizontal cross sectional view of the assembled carrier as it would appear when undergoing erection expansion from its collapsed form shown in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is ayertical cross sectional view of the partially expanded carrier as viewed along line 9-9 of Fig. 8,'this view showing the plural-ply center partition, handle section and side walls proportionately thicker than actual to illustrate the adhesive coatingsbetween the paperboard plys thereof; and

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the fully erected carrier as formed from the blank shown in Fig. l, certain parts being broken away to illustrate structural details.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings and specification.

This improved bottle carrier may advantageously be made from a paperboard or fiberboard blank of generally rectangular form as indicated in Fig. 1. In manufacture, large size paperboard or fiberboard stock sheets of selected quality are printed and decorated on one side thereof only, and the carrier forming blanks may then be scored and cut therefrom in a single pass through a cutting and scoring machine, adjusted to perform the requisite cutting and scoring operations. The carrier forming blanks are so shaped and designed to yield very little waste of stock sheet material, and to permit high speed gluing and folding-of the carrier forming blanks in a single pass through an automatic gluing and folding machine of substantially standard construction. As a result, high speed and low cost production of bottle .carriersmay be attained.

This improved bottle carrier, ,made from the blank as shown in Fig. 1, is cut and scored to provide a bottom panel particularly designed to support two rows of bottles with 'three bottles in each row. The bottom panel comprises bottom half sections 1 and 1' of similar size, fhingedly connected along a longitudinally extending collapsing score 23. Side panels 2and 2 are hingedly .connected to the opposite side edges'of bottom sections 1 and :1 along parallel extending scores 24 and 24' which are also parallel to the bottom collapsing score 23. Wings -w and w may be made to extend from both side edges of the side panels 2 and 2 respectively as shown in Fig. 1 to form a bottle carrier blank which is generally 'H-shaped fin onfi urati n- The left hand .wings of the blank as shown in Fig. '1 are scored to form a pair of end wall panel sections 3 and 3 folda'b'ly connected along score'lines'25 and 25' to the adjacent edges of the side panels 2 and 2' respectively. A pair of end cell center partition sections and 5 are foldably connected along score lines 27 and 27 to the respective end panels 3 and 3'. Cross partitions 7 and 7 are 'foldably connected along score lines 29 and 29 to the respective center partition sections 5 and 5, with a pair of side-wall securing flaps ;9 and 9 foldabl-y connected along score lines 31 and 3:1 to the respective cross partitions 7 and 7. The score lines 25, '27, 29 and 31 of the blank shown in Fig. 1 are preferably arranged in substantially parallel and equally spaced relationship, and in substantial alignment with scorel'ines25', 27 29 and 31, respectively. As thus formed and defined, the end panel sections 3 and 3, the .end .cell center par-tition sections 5 and .5-;and the cross partitions 7 and 7 are of substantially uniform width, which width approximates the diameter of the bottles to be contained 'in'the carrier assembled therefrom.

The wing extensions wand 11/ at the right hand side of the blank as shown in Fig. 1, are also scored to form a pair of end panel sections 4 and 4" foldably connected along score 'lines 26 and 26' to the adjacent side edges of the respective side panels 2 and 2. A pair .of end cell center partition sections 6 and 6' are foldably connected along score lines 28 and 28 to the respective end panel sections 4 and 4"; a pair of cross partitions ,8 and 8' are fo'ldably connected along score lines 30, and 30' to the respective center partition sections .6 and 6'; and a pair of side panel securing flaps and 10 are toldably connected along score lines '32 and 32' to the respective cross partitions 8 and 8. The scores 26, 28,, 30 and 32 are substantially in alignment with the corresponding scores 26, 28, 30 and ,32' and are substantially equally spaced so that the end panel sections 4 and 4', the end cell center partition sections 6 and 6', and the cross partitions 8 and 8 have a width throughout which closely approximates the diameter of the bottles to be placed in the carrier assembled therefrom.

As thus scored, the wing extensions ,w and w are designed when glued and folded to provide a double compartmented bottle carrier with a pair of end cells at both ends thereof, with the end ane'l sections 3 .and 3', end cell center p art-itionsections and 5' and cross partitions 7 and 7 forming one pair of fully enclosed end cells at one end of the carrier, and with end panel sections 4 and 4, end cell center partition sections 6 and 6 and, cross partitions 8 and 8 forming another pair of fully enclosed end cells at the other end of the carrier. Additionally, the spaced cross partitions 7 and 8 define an intermediate bottle receiving cell in one compartment section and the spaced cross partitions 7' and 8 together define an intermediate cell in the other compartment section of the assembled and erected carrier. The intermediate cells as thus formed are separated medially of the carrier by a pair of overlapping center divider sections and 21 which are captured from material otherwise discarded as waste betweenthe adjacent pairs of wing extensions w and w at the night and left hand sides of the blank.

As shown in Fig. l, the end'edges 131 and 14 ofthe bottom half section 1 and the end edges 13 and .14 of the bottom half section 1' may have a slight taper inwardly towards the collapsing score 123 so that the ends of the bottom panel will be contained within the adjacent end panel sections 3 and 3', 4 and 4 when the assembled cariii) ble ply center divider for the intermediate cells.

rier is filled with bottles and placed in the distributing case. To maintain the carrier in erected form, a foot lug 15' may be cut into the bottom forming edge of the end cell center partition section 5' to interlock with the free edges 13 and 13 of the bottom panel adjacent the bottom panel collapsing score 23 when the carrier is fully erected.

The carrier is also equipped with a multi-ply thickness carrying handle forming an integral part of theblank from which the carrier is formed. The carrying handle may be formed from two or more handle forming extensions project'ing ,laterally from two or more of the center partition sections and secured to each and the other end .cell center partition sections in overlapped relationship. As illustrated in Fig. l, .unscored handle forming extensions 11 and 11 project laterally from thercspective center partition sections 5 and 5" and are separated from the adjacent cross partitions 7 and '7 and securing flaps 9 and 9. Unscored handle forming extensions 12 and 12 may also be provided .to project laterally from the center partition sections 6 and 6', and are separated from the adjacent cross partitions 8 and 8' and securing flaps 1'0 and 10'. As shown in Fig. ,l by way of example, the handle forming extensions 11 and 11 may beseparated from the adjacent cross partitions '7 and 7 and securing flaps and 9 by open ended slots 17 and 17' which provide'hand holes and also define handle forming straps 19 and 19. The handle forming extensions 12 and 12' may also be separated from the cross partitions '8 and 8' and securing flaps 1'0 and 10 by open ended slots 1.6 and 16 which define the handle forming straps 18 and 18. The handle forming extensions 11 and 11' 12 and *12 are so made as to overlap when the blank is glued and folded to thereby provide a handle section for the carrier of multi-ply thickness which is integrally joined to the end cell center partition sections 5 and 5, 6 and 6.

The top forming edge 36 of the side panel 2 and the top forming edges 37 and 38 of the end panels 3 and 4 of the blank as shown in Fig. -1 are below the top forming edges 39 and 40 of the higher handle forming extensions 11 and 12. Similarly, the topiorming edge 36 tensions 11' and 12' respectively. The top forming edges 37 and 37' of the end panels 3 and 3 and the top forming edges 38 and 38 of the end panels 4 and 4' may be given any inclined curvature to improve the appearance of the carrier.

When the carrier is assembled from the blank formed as shown in Fig. l, the handle forming extensions 11 and 11, 12 and 12' are glued together in overlapped relationship so as to provide a handle section of substantially four-ply thickness. The handle section of this carrier may, if desirable, be further strengthened and its appearance enhanced by the provision of handle forming facing flaps 42 and 42 which are foldably connected by score lines 44 and 44' to the side edges of the adjacent handle forming extensions 12 and 12. It will be noted 'by referring to Fig. 1 that the folding scores 44 and 44' are formed as aligned continuations of the score lines 28 and 28', and that the handle facing flaps 42 and 42 are captured from sheet material located between the de pressed top edges '36 and 36 of the side panels 2 and 2 and the top edges 38 and 38 of the end panel sections 4 and 4 which would otherwise be discarded as waste. The longitudinal length of the handle facing flaps 42 and 42' is substantially equal to the overall length of the composite handle section when assembled and are so folded as to present their finished and decorated faces to view. The handle facing flaps 42 and 42' are also provided with hand hole cutouts 46 and 46' which align with the hand 'hole cutouts 16 and 16' of the handle forming extensions 12 and 12 and the hand hole cutouts 17 and 17 of the handle forming extensions 11 and 11" when the carrier is assembled. The hand hole cutouts 46 and 46 may also be-provided with edge rounding flaps 48 and 48 captured from material which would otherwise be removed in the formation of the hand hole cutouts 46 and 4.6.

The intermediate cells of the twin compartment carrier formed from the blank shown in Fig. 1 are separated by the center divider sections 20 and 21 which when glued together in overlapped relationship provide a douv The center divider section 20 as shown in Fig. l is captured from the material otherwise discarded as waste between of the center divider section 20 is separated from the bottom forming edge of the cross partition section 8 by cut line 52 which is preferably interrupted by an uncut but breakable neck connection 52 as shown in Fig. l. The cut line 52 also severs the center divider section 20 from the center partition end cell section 6' and is shaped as shown in Fig. 1 to define a lug extension 20 integral with the center divider section 20. The lug extension 20 is designed to overlap the handle forming extension 12 when the handle section is assembled to thereby further reinforce and strengthen the handle section.

The companion center divider section 21 is captured from material otherwise discarded as waste between the wings w and w extending from the left hand side of the side panels 2 and 2 of the blank as shown in Fig. 1. The center divider section 21 is foldably connected by score line 51 to the bottom forming edge of the end cell center partition section 5 and is separated from the bottom forming edge of the cross partition 7 by cut line 51 which is substantially in alignment with the folding score 51. The opposite edge of the center divider 21 is separated from the bottom forming edge of the cross partition 7' by out line 53 which is preferably interrupted by an uncut but breakable neck connection 53'. The out line 53 also severs the center divider section 21 from the end cell center partition section 5 and is shaped as shown in Fig. 1 to provide a lug extension 21 integral with the center divider section 21. The lug extension 21 is designed to overlap the handle forming extension 11 when the handle section is assembled to thereby additionally reinforce and strengthen the handle section.

In assembling the bottle carrier from the blank shown in Fig. 1, areas of adhesive a and a are first applied to the inside faces of the side wall securing flaps 10 and 10', and areas of adhesive b and b are simultaneously applied to the inside faces of the handle forming extensions 12 and 12 as shown in Fig. 1. During travel of the blank through the gluing and folding machine, the right wings w and w of the blank are folded along the aligned scores 28 and 28' to place the end cell center partition sections 6 and 6' in overlying relation to the end panels 4 and 4, to place the cross partitions 8 and 8 and the glue flaps 10 and 10' in overlying relation to the inside face of the side panels 2 and 2, and to additionally place the glued handle forming extensions 12 and 12' in overlying and in glued relation to the inside faces of the handle facing flaps 42 and 42'. In the same operation, the center divider 20 is placed in partial overlying relation to the bottom half sections 1 and 1. Simultaneously with this folding operation, the cross partitions 7 and 7"are folded along the aligned score lines 29 and 29' to place them in superimposed relation to the inside face of the adiacent end cell center partition sections 5 and 5', with the securing flaps 9 and 9 overlying the inside face of the end panels 3 and 3' as shown in Fig. 2.

In the second gluing operation, areas c and c of adhesive are applied to the securing flaps 9 and 9, and areas of adhesive d and d are applied to the inside faces of the handle forming extensions 11 and 11 as shown in Fig. 2. In addition, an area e of adhesive is applied to the upper face of the outer half of the center divider section 21.

In the second folding operation, the left hand wings w and w of the blank as shown in Fig. 2 are folded along the aligned scores 25 and 25 so as to place the end panels 3 and 3, the cross partitions 7 and 7' and the previously glued securing flaps 9 and 9',in superimposed relation to the inside face of the side panels 2 and 2 as shown in Fig. 3. By the same folding operation, the inner half of the center divider section 21 is superimposed over the inside face of the bottom half sections 1 and 1 and the glued outer half thereof is superimposedover the outer half of the previously folded center divider section 20. Upon the application of pressuretothe thus folded blank, the glue flaps 9and 9' and 10 and 10 become adhesively secured to the inside faces of the side panels 2 and 2, to thereby complete the assembly of the paired end cells at both ends of the carrier. Additionally, the center divider sections 20 and 21 are also-pressed and glued together to provide a sturdy dividing wall of double ply thickness for the intermediate cells of the carrier. As thus glued together, the divider sections 20 and 21 can be folded in a subsequent folding operation as an integral unit along the aligned score lines 50 and 51 which hinge the divider sections'to the end cell center partition sections 6 and 5 respectively.

In thethird gluing operation, an area of adhesive 1 is applied in the form of a strip to the infolded end cell center partition section 5 which is to be subsequently covered by the adjacent half of the center divider section 21', In the same gluing operation, an area of adhesive g isjapplied to the infolded end cell center partition 6 to' be covered by the adjacent half of the subsequently folded center divider section 20, care being taken to apply no adhesive to the intervening crosspartition 8. As shown in Fig. 3, the areas of adhesive f and g are of such extent as to also cover parts of the handle forming extensions 11 and 12 to be overlapped by thedivider lug extensions 21' and 20' when the center divider unit is folded in the following folding operation. I

In the following third folding operation, the breakable necks 52' and 53" which connect the center divider sections 20 and 21 to the bottom forming edges of the end cell center partitions 6 and 5' respectively, are broken, and the center divider sections 20 and 21 are folded as a unitas shown in Fig. 4 alongjthe aligned score lines 50 and 51 to overlie and become adhesively secured to the previously folded end cell center partitions 6 and 5, without securement to the intervening cross partition 8. Since the center divider sections 20 and 21, glued together for folding as aunit, are hinged along the space score lines 50 and 51, high speed folding can be elfected with accurate registry of the parts assured.

In the fourth gluing operation as shown in Fig. 4, areas of adhesive h and i are applied to the center divider sections 20 and 21 to be covered by the subsequently folded end cell center partitions 6 and 5', care being taken to apply no adhesive to the intermediate half of the center divider section 20 which is to be covered by the subsequently folded cross partition 8'. An area of adhesive j is also applied to the'partially overlapping handle forming extensions 11 and 12 and the divider lug extensions 20' and 21' in the manner illustrated in Fig. 4.

In the fourth and final folding operation, the blank in the form shown in Fig. 4 is folded along the bottom relation to the end panel 3; to place end cell center partition section 5' in overlying and in glued relation to the [glued half of the center divider section 21; to place end cell center partition section 6' in overlying and in glued relation to the glued half of the center divider section 20; and to place the handle forming extensions 11' and 12' in overlying and in glued relation to the corresponding glued areas of the handle forming extensions 11 and 12. Pressure is then exerted on the thus folded blank to insure that the parts are firmly glued together, thereby providing the complete carrier in collapsed form as shown in Fig. 7. I To erect the fully assembled but collapsed carrier shown in Fig. 7, the bottom panel at the collapsing score 23 may be placed on a flat surface and downward pressure exerted thereon, thereby causing the carrier to becomepartially expanded into theform shown in Figs. 8 and 9. Complete expansion and erection of the carrier may then be accomplished by shifting the handle section and associated center partition sections 5 and 5, 6 and 6 and the divider sections 20 and 21 to the left as shown in Fig. 8, in suflicient amount to effecthooking engagement between the foot lug 15' and the adjacent edge of the bottom panel as shown in Fig. 10.

intermediate cells of the carrier. Thus, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9, one pair of end cells in separated by theend cell center partition sections'S and5' secured as by the adhe'siv'layers f'and i to the" half part of-the center'divider section 21 as laminated therebetween. The other pair of end cells is separated by the end cell center partitions 6 and 6' secured as .by the adhesive layers g and h to the half part of the center divider section 20 as laminated therebetween. The intermediate cells are separated by double ply thickness of paperboard formed by overlapping half parts of the center divider sections 20 and 21 secured together by the adhesive layer 2. A multi-ply center partition is thus provided which prov-ides a structural backbone for the carrier of great stiffness and strength. The composite center partition as thus formed also extends down to the bottom panel as erected, and is hingedly connected to the full length end panel sections 3 and 3' and 4 and 4'. .A strong and durable :carrier, unyielding to bottle weight, and strongly resistant to weaving action when loaded and carried, is thus provided. i

The side panels 2 and 2 and the end panel sections 3 and 3 and 4 and 4 may be made in any desired height to adequately display the beverage bottles contained therein, and may be given any desired and attractive top edge contour. The cross partitions 7 and 7 and 8 and 8 may also be made full height and unbroken to provide strong and sturdy bottleconfining cells, additionally supply added strength to the carrier. The side panels 2 and 2', the

end panel sections 3-and 3' and 4:and 4 also present substantially flat and uninterrupted surfaces for clear and attractive advertising decoration. To facilitate the collapsing movement of the cross partitions, the score lines 29 and 29' and 30 and 30' as well as the score lines 31 and 31 and 32 and 32' may, if desired, be interrupted by:v

spaced cuts as indicated in Fig. 1.

These carriers may be provided with composite handle sections comprising four to six layers of paperboard, and when glued together, form integral extensions of the composite double ply center partition sections 5 and 5' and 6 and 6', thereby providing a carrier of great strength and rigidity when erected, with a hand hole of sufficient thickness to make hand carriage both comfortable and convenient. Additionally, the overlapping handle forming extensions 11 and 11', 1'2 and 12 are directly connected to the center divided sections 20 and 21 by the divider lug extensions 20 and 21, thereby further reinforcing the handle construction.

While certain novel features of this invention have been disclosed herein and are pointed out in the claims, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of this invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A two compartment bottle carrier formed from a single blank of sheet material having a bottom panel formed by a pair of foldably connected bottom sections, a pair of side panels foldably connected to the opposite side edges of the bottom panel, a pair of end panel sections at each end of the carrier foldably connected to the of overlapping center divider sections foldably connected to the lower end of two of said center partition sections, said center divider having each side edge thereof positioned between the adjacent pair of center partition sections and spanning the space between the spaced pairs of center partition sections, and a multi-ply handle section having a hand hole opening therein formed by a handle portion projecting inwardly from the upper end of each of said center partition sections, said handle portions being secured together in overlapped relationship, said center divider having a pair of spaced lug portions projecting therefrom and extending upwardly adjacent the ends of said hand hole to thereby reinforce said handle section.

2. A two compartment bottle carrier formed from a single blank of sheet material having a bottom panel formed by a pair of foldably connected bottom sections, a pair of side panels foldably connected to the opposite side edges of the bottom panel, a pair of end panel sections at each end of the carrier foldably connected to the adjacent sides edges of the side panels, a pair of inwardly extending center partition sections arranged in back to back relationship and foldably connected to each pair of end panel sections, a cross partition foldably connected to each centerpartition section and terminating in a flap foldably secured to the adjacent side panel, a center .dividerconrprising apairof center divider sections glued;

FLO

together in overlapping relationship, said center divider being foldably connected to the lower end of two of said spaced center partition sections, said center divider having each side edge thereof positioned between the adjacent .pair of center partition sections and spanning the space between the spaced pairs of center partition sections, and a multi-ply handle section having a hand hole opening therein formed by a handle portion projecting inwardly from the upper end of each of said center partition sections, said handle portions being secured together in overlapped relationship, said center divider having a pair of spaced lug portions projecting therefrom and extending upwardly adjacent the ends of said hand hole to thereby reinforce said handle section.

3. A bottle carrier formed from a single blank of sheet material having a bottom panel formed by a pair of foldably connected bottom sections, a pair of side panels foldably connected to the opposite .side edges of the bottom panel, a pair of end panel sections at each end of the carrier foldably connected to the adjacent side edges of the side panels, an inwardly extending center partition section foldably connected to each pair of end panel sections and projecting above the top edge of the side panels, a center divider comprising a pair of center-divider sections glued together in overlapping relationship, said center divider being foldably joined to the lower end of two of said spaced center partition sections, a multi-ply handle section comprising handle portions having aligned-hand hole slots therein projecting inwardly from the upper ends of said center partition sections and secured together in overlapped relationship, and a pair of hand grip facing flaps hinged to two of said handle portions and folded thereover, said center divider having a pair of spaced lug portions projecting therefrom and extending upwardly adjacent the ends of said hand hole to thereby reinforce said handle section.

4-. A bottle carrier forming blank having a bottom panel presenting foldably connected bottom sections, a pair of opposite side panels foldably connected to said bottom panel, a pair of Wing extensions projecting laterally from the adjacent side edges of both side panels, each of said wing extensions including an end panel foldably connected to the side edge of the side panel, a center partition section foldably connected to the end panel, a cross partition foldably connected to the center partition section, a handle forming portion projecting laterally from each of said center partition sections in overhanging but separated relationship to the adjacent cross partition, and a center divider section foldably connected to the bottom edge of one of said center partit-ion sections, saidcenter divider section having a lug portion projecting therefrom and extending into the lower end of the adjacent center partition section.

5. A bottle carrier forming blank having a bottom panel presenting foldably connected bottom sections, a pair of side panels foldably connected to the opposite side edges of said bottom panel, a wing extension projecting laterally from each side edge of each of said side panels, each of said wing extensions comprising an end panel foldably connected to the adjacent side panel,

a center partition section foldably connected to the end panel, a cross partition foldably connected to the center partition section, a securing flap foldably connected to the adjacent cross partition, a handie forming portion having a hand opening therein extending laterally from each of said center partition sections in overhanging but separated relationship to the adjacent cross partition, and a center divider section captured from material between adjacent wing extensions, said center divider section being foldably connected to the bottom end of the center partition section of one Wing extension and having a lug portion projecting therefrom and extending into the lower end of the center partition section of the adjacent wing extension.

6. A bottle carrier forming lank having a bottom panel presenting foldably connected bottom sections, a pair of opposite side panels foldably connected to opposite side edges of said bottom panel, a pair of ad jacent wing extensions projecting laterally from adjacent side edges of both side panels, each of said wing extensions comprising an end panel foldably connected to the side edge. of the adjacent side panel, a center partition section of greater height than the side panel foldably -c.o nnec ted to the end papel, a cross partition terminating in a securing flap foldably connected to the center partition section and of less height than said center partition section, a handle forming portion extending laterally from the top end of each of said center partition sections in over-reaching but separated relationship to the adjacent cross partition, a hand grip flap in overhanging but separated relationship to the top edge of the adjacent side panel and foldably connected to the adjacent side edge of each of two of said center partition sections, and a pair of center divider sections captured from material between both pairs of adjacent wing extensions, each of said center divider sections being foldably connected to the bottom end of the center partition section of one wing extension and releasably connected to the bottom end of the adjacent wing extension.

7. A bottle carrier forming blank having a bottom panel presenting foldably connected bottom sections, a pair of opposite side panels foldably connected to opposite side edges of said bottom panel, a pair of adjacent wing extensions projecting laterally from adjacent side edges of both side panels, each of said wing extensions comprising an end panel foldably connected to the side edge of the adjacent side panel, a center partition section of greater height than the side panel foldably connected to the end panel, a cross partition terminating in a securing flap foldably connected to the center partition section and of less height than said center partition section, a handle forming portion extending laterally from the top end of each of said center partition sections in over-reaching but separated relationship to the adjacent cross partition, a hand grip flap in overhanging but separated relationship to the top edge of the adjacent side panel and foldably connected to the adjacent side edge of each of two of said center partition sections, and a pair of center divider sections captured from material between both pairs of adjacent wing extensions, each of said center divider sections being foldably connected to the bottom end of the center partition section of one wing extension and having a lug portion projecting therefrom and extending into the lower end of the center partition section of the adjacent wing extension.

8. A bottle carrier forming blank having a bottom panel presenting foldably connected bottom sections, a pair of opposite side panels foldably connected to opposite side edges of said bottom panel, a wing extension projecting laterally from each side edge of both side panels, each of said wing extensions including an end panel foldably connected to the side edge of the adjacent side panel, a center partition section foldably connected to the end panel, a cross partition foldably connected to the center partition section, a securing flap foldably connected to the cross partition, a handle strap portion extending laterally from each of said center par-- tition sections and separated by a hand 'slot from the adjacent cross partition, and a center divider section captured from material between adjacent wing extensions, said center divider section being foldably connected to the bottom end of the center partition section of one wing extension and having a lug portion projecting therefrom and extending into the lower end of the center partition section of the adjacent wing extension.

9. A bottle carrier forming blank having a bottom panel presenting foldably connected bottom sections, a pair of opposite side panels foldably connected to opposite side edges of said bottom panel, a wing extension projecting laterally from each side edge of both side panels, each of said wing extensions including an end panel foldably connected to the side edge of the adjacent side panel, a center partition section foldably connected to the end panel, a cross partition foldably connected to the center partitionsection, a securing flap foldably connected to the cross partition, a handle strap portion extending laterally from each of said center partition sections and separated by a hand slot from the adjacent cross partition, and a pair of center divider sections captured from material between both pairs of adjacent wing extensions, each of said center divider sections being foldably connected to the bottom end of the center partition section of one wing extension and having a lug portion projecting therefrom and extending into the lower end of the center partition section of the adjacent wing extension.

10. A multi-cell two compartment bottle carrier formed from a single blank of sheet material having a bottom panel, a pair of side panels foldably connected to the opposite side edges of the bottom panel, a pair of end panel sections at each end of the carrier foldably connected to the adjacent side edges of the side panels, a pair of inwardly extending center partition sections secured together in back to back relationship and foldably connected to each pair of end panel sections, transversely extending cross partitions foldably connected to each pair of center partition sections and to the adjacent side panels, a center divider formed by a pair of overlapping center divider sections foldably connected to the lower ends of two of said center partition sections and spanning the space between the paired center partition sections, each of said center partition sections having a lower portion and an upper extension integral therewith and projecting above the side panels of the carrier, each of said lower portions having the lower end thereof substantially adjacent the bottom panel of the fully erected carrier and having a width substantially equal to the adjacent bottle receiving end cell of the carrier, each of said upper extensions having a handle portion integral therewith and projecting longitudinally therefrom in the plane of the upper extension and in overhanging spaced relation to the upper edge of said center divider, the overhanging handle portions of said center partition sections being secured together in overlapped relationship to provide a hand grip portion for the carrier spaced from the upper edge of said center divider, and a pair of handle facing flaps overlying and secured to the adjacent outer faces of said upper extensions and hand grip portions and together providing a sturdy handle part for the carrier.

11. A multi-cell two compartment bottle carrier formed from a single blank of sheet material having a bottom panel, a pair of side panels foldably connected to the opposite side edges of the bottom panel, a pair of end panel sections at each end of the carrier foldably connected to the adjacent side edges of the side panels, a pair of inwardly extending center partition sections secured together in back to back relationship and foldably connected to each pair of end panel sections, transversely extending cross partitions foldably connected to each pair of center partition sections and to the adjacent side panels, a center divider formed by a pair of center divider sections secured together in overlapped relationship and foldably connected to the lower ends of two of said center partition sections and spanning the space between the paired center partition sections, each of said center partition sections having a lower portion and an upper extension integral therewith and projecting above the side panels of the carrier, each of said lower portions having the lower end thereof substantially adjacent the bottom panel of the fully erected carrier and having a width substantially equal to the adjacent bottle receiving end cell of the carrier, each of said upper extensions having a handle portion integral therewith and projecting longitudinally therefrom in the plane of the upper extension and in overhanging spaced relation to the upper edge of said center divider, the overhanging handle portions of said center partition sections being secured together in overlapped relationship to provide a hand grip portion for the carrier spaced from the upper edge of said center divider, and a pair of handle facing flaps overlying and adhesively secur'ed to the adjacent outer faces of said upper extensions and hand grip portions and together providing a sturdy handle part for the carrier, each of said handle facing flaps being foldably connected to the outer vertical edge of an adjacent upper extension.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,157,712 Miller Oct. 26, 1915 2,345,746 Goodyear Apr. 4, 1944 2,458,281 Lupton Jan. 4, 1949 2,535,741 Lighter Dec. 26, 1950 2,537,452 Forrer Jan. 9, 1951 2,586,301 Castle Feb. 19, 1952 2,606,711 Forrer Aug. 12, 1952 

